Writer's block/Artist's block cures

[Weepy Gonzales]

What do you guys do when you hit a slump artistically? I really want to get my zine started up again... I've been trying and trying for months to write something decent... I just can't seem to get anything down on paper that I deem worthwhile anymore. I'm having trouble writing this, even.
So, my question is, what do you do when you feel like this is happening?

[Weepy Gonzales]

Thank you. I understand completely - It's just difficult for me, because I have the time to do it right now, and I FEEL like I am at a point in my life in which I should be inspired (new relationship, on the brink of graduating from my shitty school, losing friends, etc)... but I just have nothing to say.

Joseph Delgado said:

what works for me is just walking away from it. giving it some space and time. i find, for myself that is, that when i try to force something it completely falls flat...i have noticed that the inspiration comes to me at the strangest moments when i am so not thinking about the creative process. perhaps immerse yourself in something you like but is far removed from your zine and maybe just maybe that spark will rekindle when you least expect it....ok ill stop with the metaphysical bs for now...lates

[Mab]

I'm going through the EXACT same problem. I find that writing about anything, dumb, senseless things or whatever comes to mind, just MAKING the words on the paper is helping me. Sometimes you have to write out all the crap in your system before the good stuff comes out again. I even sit there and write paragraphs about how I can't write right now! It seems to be helping me. Also, rereading books that I think were really well-written gets me in the mood to write and jogs my creativity.

[Mony Nunez]

what i do, and what you can maybe try out or whatever, is go for long walks, completely alone, but with your thoughts, and have your ipod, loud music blasting through your ears, and you always see interesting things. u see something, then ur mind starts to generate its own thoughts, then makes you want to write it all down in your own creative way. this gives me a long stream of new ideas for a page in a journal or zine.

[Charlotte Lee (Bitch theme)]

I get this a lot- i know just how you feel! my first zine, bitch theme, has been in the works for nearly a year, but just when i think im getting it all together i suddenly get totally unmotivated and rubbish about it. i'd say all the ideas like listening to music you love, going for long walks etc. are pretty effective. it also definitely helps to try and eat right/sleep lots as its hard to be productive when you're tired! although saying that, i sometimes find i write most very late at night as its quiet and peaceful..

i also like to keep a notebook and write down pretty much EVERYTHING that goes through my head (if i have the time, obvs). most of it turns out to be rubbish, but there are always little gems in there that make me believe in my writing again. plus, like mab said, sometimes it just helps to go through the process of writing, even if nothing comes out of it.

i also think that reading books/zines that are paticularly inspiring always helps. there are a few zines that get me all fired up and make me want to be active and DO SOMETHING (and reading them usually results in a few pages of my zine getting done). i dont know what kind of zines you like, but i find feminist, political, queer etc. zines are particularly good for this because there is a sense of urgency, and that there is something to fight for and be active about..y'know?

[Ro- The Apocalypse Girl]

Ugh, I know how you feel- I've been "working" on my perzine for about a year now, and have NOTHING on paper yet. I just keep sputtering to a stop. I think my other zine is a little easier because it's mostly me going through old journal entries and plucking stuff out and polishing it up. Maybe it'll help you get your juices going if you look through old zines you have, old journals, etc.